noun
definition
A rolling down.
definition
A descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession
definition
The transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to another.
definition
Degeneration (as opposed to evolution).
example
It is quite disheartening to witness the devolution of our nation's political discourse over the past several years.
definition
The transfer of some powers, and the delegation of some functions, from a central sovereign government to local government; eg. from Westminster to Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly.
example
The question of whether England should receive devolution like Scotland and Wales have has dogged British politics for years.